In the latest development in the ongoing controversy over alleged alterations to Nigeria's Tax Acts 2025, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has labelled the gazetted versions as illegal forgeries, warning of a constitutional crisis. The Patriots coalition has rejected the claims as baseless, backing the National Assembly's re-gazetting of the laws following earlier criticisms from figures like ex-FIRS chief Muhammad Nami.
The Tax Acts 2025 controversy, which erupted after allegations by lawmakers like Abdussamad Dasuki and statements from Muhammad Nami urging cancellation of altered versions, intensified on December 28, 2025. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raised fresh concerns about discrepancies in the gazetted laws post their passage by the National Assembly on May 28, describing them as illegal and tantamount to forgery.
The Patriots, a coalition of civil society organisations, responded in Abuja, dismissing the allegations as unfounded. Spokesman Muhammad E. Dauda cited independent reviews of legislative records, including Votes and Proceedings from May 29, 2025, showing no material changes from the harmonised bills passed.
The group stressed that gazetting is merely administrative and cannot amend laws, referencing precedents like AGF v. Guardian Newspapers Ltd (1989), AG Lagos State v. AG Federation (1986), and AG Ondo State v. AG Federation (2002). With no evidence of post-passage alterations presented, the burden lies on accusers, they argued.
Praising National Assembly leadership, The Patriots endorsed re-gazetting the correct versions to quell concerns and the Clerk's offer of Certified True Copies for transparency. They cautioned against repeal calls, warning of fiscal uncertainty, and urged respect for parliamentary processes.
'These submissions are made in the best interest of the country, its citizens, and the promotion of good governance,' the statement concluded.
